A fridge or freezer that is still working should not be replaced based on its age alone. First, compare its annual energy consumption, measured if possible, with the kWh/year figure for the model you are considering, and look into whether it can be repaired. If you do replace it, choose fridge and freezer capacity to suit what you actually store, then check the dimensions and energy consumption of a comparable model.
The right choice depends as much on the condition of your current appliance as on the food you need to store and the space available.
If your fridge or freezer seems to use a lot of electricity, check its energy consumption before deciding it needs replacing. If it is not working properly, a professional assessment can also help you decide what to do.
Compare the space available for fresh food, prepared portions and frozen food. A fridge freezer and a separate freezer do not offer the same storage options.
Measure the space, particularly if you are considering a built-in model. If noise matters in your living space, check the sound level for the specific model rather than relying on a general brand claim.
First decide whether your current appliance can stay in use. Then work out what type of storage you need before comparing the labels on the models you are considering.
| Priority | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Keep or repair | Check that it is cooling properly and arrange an assessment if it has a fault. If possible, measure the current appliance’s energy consumption over a representative period. | My appliance still works: before buying another one, I want to know whether a repair or keeping it in use will meet my needs. |
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label with the consumption of your current appliance. Take the appliance type and capacity into account: the figures published by ADEME for fridges, fridge freezers and freezers are not like-for-like comparisons. | I want a replacement with energy consumption that suits how I use it, without assuming that an energy rating or a new appliance alone guarantees a saving. |
| Fresh and frozen food storage | Check the capacity of each compartment, not just the total. If you choose a fridge without a freezer, you will need another solution for freezing; a separate freezer also means another appliance running continuously. | I mainly store fresh food, or regularly freeze portions and bulk buys: I will need different amounts of space for each. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the space and check the dimensions and ventilation instructions for the exact model. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check its stated noise level too. | The appliance must fit and be installed correctly in my kitchen. If it is near my living space, its noise level matters too. |
| Maintenance and features | Check the defrosting method and compartment features on the specific model. Compare its kWh/year separately: a feature that manages frost does not prove that it uses less electricity. | Manual defrosting is a hassle, or I need separate zones to organise certain foods. I will focus on the features that genuinely suit the way I use the appliance. |
Its age does not tell you how much energy it currently uses or whether it can be repaired. Comparing an old, small appliance with a larger new model can also make it harder to assess any savings.
If possible, measure its energy consumption and arrange an assessment if it is not working properly. Then compare it with a model of a suitable type and capacity.
A large fridge freezer may not offer enough space in the compartment you actually need. Adding a separate freezer also means another appliance running continuously.
Make a note of how much fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food you usually store, then check the capacity of each compartment.
Bosch and Whirlpool list No Frost features on specific models to help manage frost. This feature alone does not tell you how much energy an appliance uses.
Choose features to suit your maintenance needs, and compare the kWh/year, capacity, dimensions and noise levels of the models you are considering.
Collection of your old appliance needs to fit in with the installation of the new one, particularly if access to your home or the collection itself requires special arrangements.
Before ordering, confirm with the retailer how and when your old fridge or freezer will be collected.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they do not necessarily apply to the appliances featured below.
Bosch’s French range includes fridges and fridge freezers.
Liebherr offers appliances in a range of sizes, including built-in models.
Whirlpool lists fridge freezers with frost-management features on selected models.
Beko offers built-in fridges, including models with their own air-circulation features.
These fridge freezers combine fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Compare their compartments with your usual needs, and check the label for the exact model before assessing whether a replacement is worthwhile.
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Worth considering if you regularly store plenty of fresh and frozen food. Make sure its 467 L capacity suits your needs rather than choosing the largest model just to be on the safe side.
The product name lists four doors, Total No Frost, Smart Inverter and an E energy rating. Check the energy label for the exact model to find its kWh/year, and check the dimensions before comparing this fridge freezer with your current appliance.
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Check whether its 360 L capacity gives you enough room for both fresh and frozen food.
The product name lists three doors, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the kWh/year for the exact model. These features do not prove that it will use less electricity.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth checking against the space available if your kitchen is narrow.
The product name specifies 262 L, a 70/30 split, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the defrosting instructions and the kWh/year for the exact model before deciding whether to replace your current appliance.
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If you prefer a freezer compartment at the bottom, compare how the 282 L capacity is split with the amount of fresh and frozen food you store.
The product name lists an E energy rating and a stainless-steel finish. Check the dimensions, clearance requirements and kWh/year for this model number: features from other Bosch models do not necessarily apply.
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If space is limited, check whether its 54 cm width and capacity of 153 L for fresh food and 74 L for frozen food will suit your household.
The product name also lists a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check which way the door can open in your space, the Low Frost defrosting instructions and the kWh/year on the label for the exact model before estimating any potential savings.
If possible, measure the energy consumption of your current fridge or freezer over a representative period, then compare it with the kWh/year figure on the label of the model you are considering. Take the appliance type and capacity into account: ADEME’s indicative consumption figures for fridges, fridge freezers and freezers are not for equivalent appliances.
No. Also check the kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions of the specific model. Noise and maintenance features are worth considering if they matter for your space or the way you use the appliance.
No. No Frost alone does not prove that an appliance uses less electricity. Bosch and Whirlpool describe their systems on certain models as features for managing frost. To compare energy consumption, check the kWh/year for the specific appliances.
Yes. ADEME lists assessment and repair as possible options for a refrigeration appliance. If it has a fault, ask for an assessment and a quote before deciding. If you are considering the Repair Bonus in France, check the eligibility requirements, including those relating to the appliance’s maintenance and use.
Before placing your order, ask the retailer how and when your old fridge or freezer will be collected, and check any access requirements for your home. The DGCCRF explains that old equipment can be collected when you buy new equipment. Confirming the arrangements in advance can help you avoid problems on delivery day.